Outreach

At St. John’s Episcopal Church, we believe that outreach is a natural outgrowth of our faith. Through our nine signature outreach ministries, we serve God by serving others. Email the Rev. David Olson at dolson@stjohnsroanoke.org.

Most of the outreach ministries provide opportunities for families and groups who want to serve the Lord together. If you would like help discerning which outreach ministry may be right for you or your family, please contact: (540) 343-9341

The Community Garden

The garden offers a way for parishioners of all ages to reconnect with God the Creator and one another. Gardening reminds us, too, that any kind of growth takes time, care, and community. Email Mr. James Breakell at jbreakell@boxley.com.

CYP is an after-school and summer program for at-risk 4th-8th grade Roanoke City students. CYP encourages learning and the development of a positive self-image through a focus on holistic wellness. CYP works with community resources and Roanoke City Schools to insure the highest quality of support for our students and families. Volunteers can make a difference by helping with homework, providing transportation home, reading to elementary school students through our literacy programming, or chaperoning our fun Friday field trips. Contact CYP staff: Kathleen McEvoy, Executive Director, at cyp@stjohnsroanoke.org or 309-6300 or Martha Park, Program Coordinator, at cypactivities@stjohnsroanoke.org or 309-6321.

Congregations in Action (CIA)

Congregations in our neighborhood have made a special commitment to the students, faculty and staff of the nearby Highland Park Elementary School. Help provide hospitality for teachers, healthy snacks for hungry kids, and mentorship for students in the form of tutors, lunch buddies, and story tellers. Email Mr. Gates DeHart at gdehart1@cox.net.

St. John’s partners with other congregations to provide warm beds, warm meals, and a warm welcome to homeless families in the Roanoke Valley. Offer the ministry of hospitality by helping prepare and serve a meal or the ministry of presence by staying overnight with our guests. Contact Mr. Gates DeHart at gdehart1@cox.net.

Grace Rebuilding

We partner with Rebuilding Together Roanoke and Grace House on the Mountain to provide critical home repairs and renovations for low-income neighbors in Ro-anoke and in Wise County. Give a day or more to re-pair a home. Email Ms. Katrina Ross at katrina.ke@gmail.com.

Kimoyo, Ltd. promotes sustainable development in Ghana. Founded by St. John’s and Kingdom Life Ministries, Kimoyo supports cottage industry, sustains a medical clinic in Zebilla, and promotes African cultural awareness in the Roanoke Valley. Support a micro-loan for a Ghanaian woman to start a small family business or assist a Kimoyo teacher in a local public school. Email Mr. John Merten at mer10@cox.net.

Red Cross Blood Drives

Local hospitals rely on the American Red Cross to supply them with blood and St. John’s is proud to host five blood drives each year. Give the gift of life by donating blood and give the gift of hospitality by helping during a drive. E-mail Harriett Robison at harrietrobison4@gmail.com.

Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)

SEP enhances the lives of at-risk children by providing educational summer activities. St. John’s provides volunteers for one week of this month-long program. Assist with a field trip, drive the church bus, or provide snacks. Email Ms. Alison Blanton at ablanton3@cox.net.

Hundreds of people come to St. John’s seeking help with bills. We listen to them, connect them with community resources, and make housing and utility grants from church funds. Offer a few hours to help people in need.